URBAN WASTE MANAGEMENT AND CONCENTRATION OF HEAVY METAL AMONG WASTE WORKERS IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS

Rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and increased environmental activities in cities like Port Harcourt Metropolis have led to a significant rise in the generation of municipal solid waste. This surge has not only burdened waste management systems but has also heightened the exposure of waste workers—both formal and informal to harmful contaminants, including heavy metals. These metals, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As), are commonly found in various components of solid waste, including batteries, electronic devices, paints, and industrial byproducts. When handled without adequate protective measures, these substances pose serious health risks due to their toxic, non-biodegradable, and bioaccumulative properties. This study examines concentration of heavy metal among waste worker in Port Harcourt Metropolis. . The study was guided by two objectives and two research questions. Using experimental and survey research design, the population for the study constitutes the ninety-five (95) service providers to Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA). The study used both primary and secondary data for analysis. The sample for the study was 30 service providers from where the sample population for the study was collected from the different parts of Port Harcourt metropolis. To get the sample for the study, multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to obtain a sample of one hundred and seventy five (175) waste workers. For method of data collection, One hundred and seventy-five (175) copies of questionnaire was administered to the sampled waste workers of the different service providers to RIWAMA. The study reveals that all the respondents were conscious of the fact that poor waste disposal is harmful to human health. This is because 100 percent of the respondent indicated that they are aware. The study highlight the need for The Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) should ensure all workers are equipped with quality personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, boots, and overalls. Enforcement policies should penalize non-compliance by contractors.